How To Decorate The Wall Space Above Your Arched Headboard

One of the gals in our Lettered Cottage Community posted a photo of her headboard and asked for advice about how she should decorate the space above it. She gave me permission to blog about it here, so I thought I’d share a few ideas that might work. She did give me a few guidelines though: she doesn’t want an old window, a mirror, or to use modern farmhouse word art. Here’s the photo of her bed:

As you can see, it’s a short area between the top of the headboard and the bottom of the soffit above it, but there’s still plenty of space to do something fun up there. Here are a few ideas:

I love how the rows of frames add color and dimension and contrast (line-wise) with the curve of the headboard. And because they’re all simple, and the same, it the grouping acts more like 3D wallpaper than a collection that takes away from the beautiful bed. Such a stunning, affordable and easy-to-create statement!

2. Plates

Sometimes I wonder whether or not plates make sense as art in a bedroom, but if I just let go of the idea that plates are usually only seen, stored or used in a dining room or kitchen, and just appreciate them for what they can also be: pretty, collected pieces of vintage ceramic or china “art”, I think they can be a beautiful way to add interest to the area above a headboard. Here’s a photo of a curvy headboard that doesn’t have a ton of wall space above it. So pretty!

I know Sandra said she didn’t want to use mirrors, but this example was just too gorgeous not to share! I love how they open up the wall up there and reflect what’s going on on the other side of the room. It’s almost like having artwork that perfectly coordinates because the “picture” inside each frame is the same colors, tones and patterns you see everywhere else in the room.

I also think the fact that two of them are round makes a difference too. I like the way the curve of the frames follows the curve of the headboard.

4. Architectural Salvage

The headboard in this photo isn’t arched, but I still think a piece of architectural salvage would work. I also like the idea of using wall sconces that “arch” over the outside edges of the headboard. The combination of those three elements used together creates a more pulled together look because everything on that wall feels connected and keeps your eye moving.

(Pottery Barn)

Here’s another great piece of salvage that finishes off that wall space perfectly!

This could be anything from a crown, like in the photo above, to a piece of sculptural millwork or garden art, like this:

6. Straw Hats

I’ve become especially drawn to the idea of decorating with straw hats lately. I love the texture, tone and lightheartedness they add to a space. They add the same kind of feeling a basket or jute rug would bring in, but in a completely different place (on the wall, vs. on the floor or on/in a piece of furniture) and the circular shape would complement an arched headboard quite nicely as you can see in the pretty photo below:

Obviously this last one would require a lot more time and energy to execute, but I wanted to include it because it’s one of the coolest bed backdrops I’ve ever seen! I wouldn’t add the doors in Sandra’s (short) space, but a wall full of simple trim would be a great way to fill up and accent that area. No extra art above the headboard needed!

Other options might include: an oar or oars, artwork, vintage trays, hanging lanterns, letters that spell out a word, a historic salvaged sign, a sunburst-style mirror, or a simple row of smaller-scale framed prints.

What do you think Sandra should use above her headboard? I know she’d love to gather up as many ideas as she can so that she can move forward with confidence.

Have a great weekend, friends!

Layla

PS- Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange, Georgia is quite the place! Pretty sure Steevenson considers it heaven on Earth, but also pretty sure I won’t be going back ’til I can get my panic attacks under control. :-/ (Called my doctor on my birthday and have an appointment to talk about my options on June 15th. Woo hoo! 😉 ) Just wanted to warn any friends who also suffer with nervous illness. It’s *very* loud in every single area of the resort because of the echo factor (super tall ceilings, tons of people and music pumped through speakers throughout), so the only place you can really get a break from the noise is in your hotel room…which is, obviously, not where your kiddo is going to want to hang out while you’re there. I battled my way through it, but I do look forward to going back again when my nerves aren’t quite so sensitized. Here’s a virtual tour of the indoor waterpark part of the resort. It really is an incredible place!

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Comments

What a timely post for me, too! I am loving the collection of mirrors and may have to implement that in our reno. All these pics just make me feel happy. Thank you for putting these ideas out there so I don’t just revert back to the ol’ standbys.

I like the first idea and the hats (or something else round/oval). She could maybe do an odd number of frame shapes – say 2 oval, three round, with close up photos of nature, like leaves, grass, flowers. Just interesting textural shots of nature. I’ve even framed closeups of tree barks that look pretty cool.

When you were posting the videos from Great Wolf all I could think about was how loud it was and how I wouldn’t be able to handle it with my anxiety disorder. These places are so fun but make me feel so stressed and sad that I don’t enjoy it for my kids. Prayers for you! It’s a hard thing to battle, but it’s also nice to know you’re not alone in it.

I loved this article. Great ideas. I was sad to hear you suffer from panic attacks. My friend did as well until she was properly diagnosed with sibo. They went away when her GI and microbiome were healthy again. She was told it was due to antibiotics she took for an infection. Cedar Sinai diagnosed and treated her. There’s a Dr Flannery at Healthwise in CA. He skypes. He’s great at fixing the problem and also figuring out if there are also viruses to address. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Feel better. Her sound sensitivity faded as well.

Sweet friend I also suffer panic attacks and work with my doctor to control them. However, foam ear plugs in loud places will save your sanity. Insert them so that they just barely fill the ear canal (you have to figure out what works for you) and they dampen the noise while leaving you able to hear conversation. You will instantly feel more calm. I have a teenage son so I’ve had years to find my happy balance. You will too, I promise!